You likely find it hard to imagine your pet’s veterinarian as anything other than your furry friend’s lifelong health advocate; however, believe it or not, our veterinary team members have full lives away from veterinary practice. Don’t get us wrong—our team lives for helping pets, and might move in if we let them, but they do a great job of balancing their love for veterinary medicine with an active personal life. We recently sat down with Dr. Emily Murphy, one of our key team members, and learned more about her life in and outside Stone Ridge Veterinary Medical Center.

Question: Where are you originally from?

Answer: I was born in Oklahoma, but have lived in Texas for 27 years, so I consider the Lone Star state home. 

Q: How and when did you decide you wanted to be a veterinarian?

A: Apparently, I have wanted to be a veterinarian my entire life. As the story goes, I announced to my mother at 2 years of age that I wanted to help animals when I grew up, and I have never wavered. That goal has served me well, and has gotten me where I am today.

Q: How did you land at Stone Ridge Veterinary Medical Center?

A: My husband and I bounced around for the past five or six years. After tiring of the craziness and traffic of downtown Houston, we were looking for a quieter place to call home. We loved all the trees and the community culture in Conroe, and my dream job happened to be available. I talked to Dr. Pettyjohn about joining the Stone Ridge team, and the rest is history.

Q: What is your favorite part about being a veterinarian?

A: You may expect me to gush about puppies and kittens, but it’s the people I love—not that I don’t also love pets! I am surrounded by some of the most compassionate, empathetic, loving, entertaining, hilarious people you will ever meet. They make the good days great, and the bad days brighter. Also, did I mention puppy breath?

Q: Tell us about your two- and four-legged family members

A: My amazing husband runs a non-profit for metastatic breast cancer research that he started from the ground up—how incredible is that? Our almost-2-year-old daughter, Eleanor, keeps us busy, and is 100% the household boss. We also have four dogs—a golden retriever, a Westie, a Lab mix, and a Heinz 57. As you can imagine, there is never a dull moment in our home.

Q: What is something about you that might surprise others?

A: I love all animals, but I am severely allergic to cats. I have to load up on allergy medications to avoid sneezing all over my patients. 

Q: Do you have any irrational fears?

A: Actually, I have two. First, I am deathly afraid of deep water. If there might be sharks nearby, or I can’t see the bottom, I’m out! Second, squirrels. I was trapped in an exam room with a squirrel once, and they have freaked me out ever since.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A:  I love every type of seafood. Lobster, crawfish, crab legs, fish—if it’s got fins or pinchers, I’ll dip it in butter.

Q: What is your favorite hobby?

A: Did you read my answer about having a 2-year-old? What is a hobby?

Q: Coke or Pepsi products?

A: Neither—Dr. Pepper is my go-to drink of choice, especially paired with a big plate of seafood!

Q: Share an item on your bucket list.

A: Elephants are my favorite animals. Despite their large size, they are one of the only animal species that show empathy and compassion, and they amaze me. I would love to visit an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, but I know that’s a lofty goal, so I’ll take what I can get!

There you have it. Dr. Murphy, elephant lover, toddler wrangler—no wonder she is so good at calming crazy dogs. She is also an irreplaceable member of our Stone Ridge team. To see Dr. Murphy in action, schedule a wellness appointment for your furry friend.